Connect2Move – Development of innovative health services using open innovation methods
Valorization of natural and evidence-based cardio trekking trails through open innovation methods to sustainably promote intergenerational, health-oriented tourism.
With special consideration of the Alpine region, including its cultural heritage, existing hiking trails will be transformed into themed trails and digitally remapped. In addition to the usual descriptions of hiking trails such as length, elevation gain, trail conditions, and duration, the new “Hiking for the Heart” trails will also mark cardiovascular exercise intensity. One parameter for exercise intensity is heart rate. The marking of the nature trails and their classification will be digitally supported in existing hiking/tourism apps. For the purpose of valorization and implementation in the participating communities, Salzburg Research is choosing the open innovation approach of idea sourcing to generate ideas and increase innovation potential. This approach will be supported by sports science and medical experts and will involve regional stakeholders and the public.
Two cross-border, climate-friendly, and nature-based concepts for promoting physical activity in the Alps are being developed. These serve to increase year-round, low-impact health tourism and also promote individual health literacy for tourists and locals.
Connect2Move promotes new tourism innovations and offerings with a “heart health” focus by gently converting heritage trails into cardio trekking routes, promoting physical activity while simultaneously imparting knowledge. Connect2Move promotes long-term climate-neutral tourism and increases visitor numbers in the off-season through a sustainable, nature-based “heart health” concept (e.g., certification of municipalities and hotels).
